Nice little set of statistics from the RIF newsletter:

Reading Is Fundamental | Parents | Elementary, My Dear Watson  Annotated

The Wonderful World of Fantasy

This month, the last Harry Potter book hits the shelves.  The bestselling series has introduced millions of kids worldwide to the joy of reading and to the wonderful world of fantasy. 

According to a 2006 Scholastic and Yankelovich study, :

76 percent of Harry Potter readers surveyed agreed that reading the series has made them interested in reading other books.

65 percent of Harry Potter readers agreed they have been doing better in school since reading the series.

Similarly, 89 percent of these readers' parents agreed that the series has helped their child enjoy reading more, and 76 percent agree the series has helped their child in school.

The Harry Potter series joins a lengthy list of magical books that have been engaging kids for centuries: from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy to Eoin Colfer's Artemis Fowl series. This month, whether your kids are Harry Potter fans or not, get them wrapped up in a fantastical story with these books and activities. 

Games & Activities

• 
  
  Harry Potter Crossword Puzzle —Test your chid's Harry Potter IQ with this fun crossword. (View the answer key.)
  
  


• 
  
  Aang, the Avatar Q&A—Read an interview with the star of the popular Nickelodeon cartoon, Avatar: The Last Airbender.
  
   
  


• Eoin Colfer Q&A—Read an interview with the author of the Artemis Fowl series.  
  
   
  


• 
  Fantasy Booklist—Read one of these books to or with your child.